Done with McLeod

[cwmcobra]

I'm sure this could start a huge debate, but here goes......

For anyone using the McLeod hydraulic throwout bearings, enjoy them while you can because they won't last long. I had one of the "old designs" in my Cobra and the banjo fittings gave out with about 700 miles on the car. I sent it to McLeod and they retrofitted to the "new design" with solid elbows instead of the banjoes. Put 1000 miles on it and put the car up for the winter here in Michigan. During a conversation with Red McLeod during my retrofit process, he told me that all hydraulic TOBs are subject to the O-rings drying out if not stroked regularly. Suggested when the car is not driven or stored for the winter, stroke the clutch every week or so to keep the O-ring lubed. So, I put it up for the winter and went out a couple weeks later and stroked the clutch. Unexpectedly, it stuck at first, then broke loose. I stroked it a couple of times and it felt normal Every 1-2 weeks since, I've stroked the clutch. No sticking since the first time. Now I know why......there's a huge puddle of hydraulic fluid under the car. I conclude that when it first stuck, it moved or damaged the O-ring and since I've only been pumping fluid out of my reservoir with every subsequent clutch cycle.

This design is apparently so poor, that it has multiple failure modes. I can't consider buying any more products from a supplier, even as highly recommended as McLeod, that doesn't have enough concern for their customers to pull a bad product from the market. Its as simple as that.

I'm now off to find a competitive product to replace the McLeod with. Probably Tilton at a cost of about $500. Also, the huge hassle of changing not only the TOB, but the master cylinder in the finished car.

Anyone considering buying a McLeod TOB, don't even think about it. I'd hate to have to say "I told you so", as some will no doubt say to me since I gave them a second chance.....and came out on the losing end!

Chuck